In a recent development reported by ESPNcricinfo, Imad Wasim and Azam Khan are set to join the Seattle Orcas in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. Despite not holding central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), both players have agreed in principle to play for the Seattle-based franchise, which is backed by the GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
The report also mentions that two other Pakistani players, who are regulars in the national team and hold central contracts, are in talks with another franchise in the MLC. However, their participation in the tournament is awaiting approval from the PCB, as the board will decide whether to grant them No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to compete in the league.
Media reports indicate that the PCB has responded positively to the MLC’s request to include Pakistani players but has placed a condition for their participation. The board has asked the MLC management to pay $25,000 for each player’s involvement in the league.
Scheduled to take place between July 13-30 in Dallas, the MLC is expected to feature six teams and has already attracted renowned players from various cricket-playing nations, generating significant anticipation and excitement for the league’s inaugural season.
In a related development, Jason Roy has made the decision to forego his incremental contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in order to participate in the inaugural edition of the United States’ new Twenty20 tournament.
